“Money often costs too much.” ―Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today, in most societies, the pursuit of wealth has become inevitable— almost as if the desire to be rich is already a forgone conclusion in our lives.
The prevailing view is that wealth is good, that it should be pursued, that material possessions and riches enhance our enjoyment in life, and that wealth provides opportunity to find greater fulfillment in life.
But recently, I have come to realize the pursuit of riches is based on a faulty premise. It is based on the incorrect rationale that the presence of money is always good—that it always brings benefit into our lives. This is not always the case.
Once our basic needs have been met, money contributes very little to our overall happiness and well-being. But more than that, there are actually a number of inherent dangers in possessing riches. Or maybe I should say, at the very least, there are better things to be than rich. And we’d live more fulfilled lives if we began chasing after them with as much intensity as we seek riches.
Consider just this short list of Things Better to Be Than Rich:
Content. Contentment is far more valuable than riches because whoever finds contentment is always satisfied. Money comes and goes—sometimes quickly. But contentment rises above our circumstance and offers happiness regardless of our financial state.
Generous. Jeff Shinabarger says it well, “Anything we find that is more than enough creates an immediate opportunity to make others’ lives better.” Our resources can accomplish great things in this world—but not if we keep them to ourselves.
Free. Jim Sollisch has recently come to this understanding. Often in our pursuit of wealth and bigger bank accounts, we sacrifice freedom. We think riches will provide greater freedom for our lives, but we rarely recognize how much freedom we have actually sacrificed in our attempt to simply find more of it.
Selfless. Choosing to live selfless lives that seek the benefit of others brings meaning, purpose, and lasting impact to our short lives. While living selfish, self-centered lives is neither attractive or fulfilling.
Honest. No compromises, no regrets. Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and harmful desires. Given the choice, we should choose honesty, integrity, and character any day. It makes laying our head on the pillow each night that much sweeter.
Passionate. It is far greater to have a career and life we love waking up to in the morning than a high-paying job that brings no satisfaction, provides no positive contribution, and provokes no passion in our day.
Dependent. There is greater security to be found in lasting, trusting relationships than wealth. Dependence on others teaches us this truth. But even more importantly, it also allows us to experience the goodness of other people.
Compassionate. The statistics continue to hold true. The more wealth we obtain, the less compassion and empathy we feel towards those without. And as a result, the less we contribute.
Humble. Wealth often brings with it a certain level of pride—or at least, a more-necessary intentionality to remove prideful tendencies. Sometimes this pride comes from within and sometimes it is encouraged by others. Meanwhile, humility quietly calls us to embrace its hidden power and freedom. It would be a shame to miss it at the expense of riches.
Resourceful. Learning how to live with less is an important pursuit. It teaches us the value of the things right in front of us and forces us to appreciate them even more.
Connected. Riches do not result in deeper relationships. In fact, often times, they have the opposite effect. But intimate, connected relationships continue to provide the joy in our lives money can never produce.
Perseverant. Perseverance is a powerful characteristic that can only be discovered through trial. And while riches cannot remove every trial in life, they can often remove just enough to keep perseverance from ever taking root in our heart.
Happy. As I mentioned, once our basic needs have been met, money contributes very little to our overall happiness and well-being. Gratitude, generosity, and contribution produce far more. And that is the real goal: to live lives of joy and fulfillment and help others to do the same.
Now, please don’t misread me. I am not contending that those with riches cannot also be content, generous, humble, or connected. I know many incredibly generous people who could also be described as wealthy. And I would never contend that those without wealth are better simply by the nature of that qualification. Lastly, I would never confess to have arrived fully in any of the categories listed above.
But I do believe with all my heart the pursuit of riches can lead to great danger. It is not a pursuit to be automatically accepted as the wisest course of action for our lives. In fact, as soon as it is removed, we provide greater opportunity for these better things to be true in our lives. And there are indeed, far better things to be than rich.
Image: Daniele Zedda
james says
this article is exactly how I perceive wealth to be success and status. it’s not about how much money you have. money doesn’t mean your better than anyone
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Nick says
Thank you Joshua. I have been following you for some time but was getting a little tired of articles telling me the benefits of minimalism and tidying up. I get it. This carves a deeper track and I am grateful. I retired at 53 and live a simple but full life on a small pension. I have my family, garden, a mortgage free house, enough to pay the bills and even go on vacation. Most of all I have time and that is more precious than any amount of gold.
Kisha clarke says
Very sad story – u have but u don’t choose to give for no reason what so ever, it’s a eye opener x
Otto Yisanoba says
Good Job Joshua Becker.God bless you
Grene Schait Maleko says
Mama Massai briefings; I really don`t want expensive gifts; I don`t like to be bought special things. I have everything; I just want someone to be there for me, to make me feel safe and secure. So that I can be able to protect Young people in secure setting.
I just like to give my love to every Young People and let them know that the grass may look greener on the other side, but believe me, it’s just as hard to cut. In this reason, that why I need your support.
Thank you all
Mama Massai.
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Deonilyn Gramo says
I just want to share this, I do not have work today. Next month, maybe I will be working. I am on a tight budget. Just this morning, an unknown number appeared on my phone’s screen. When I picked it up, it was the pregnant woman I just met in a public vehicle during my visit to my partner. This woman I remembered in pain, I asked her why. She said, she was having difficulties with her pregancy. And all she had was a bottled water and a biscuit. I told her I can help her to get financial aid. I gave her my number so that I can contact her regarding the process to avail financial aid.When I was about to get off, I gave her 100 pesos discretely. It was not that much but I was hoping to help. Few days later, she called me at around 2 am. She was in panick. She said her eldest daughter is very sick and she has no money. She was asking me to lend her some money. I only had enough that time but she said she has no one to borrow money from.
She was crying. I finally agreed to lend her my saved money, which was 1,500 pesos or approxately 33 dollars so she could bring her daughter to the hospital. We met early in the morning, she was very pale, her daughter was burning with fever. She said she will pay me back when she got money. I said it is ok, I am more concerned of her, a sick pregnant woman with her sick daughter. That was the last time I heard from her. I once asked her if she is already financially stable because I need my money that time. There was no reply. Until this morning.
I was surprised. I can’t even remember how much she owed me. I was even more touched by her actions. She kept apologizing for taking her too long to pay me back but I said it is ok, and I am more thankful to you.
It is such a great start of my day. Many have borrowed money from me, but forgot to pay me back, but who cares. Kindness has no price anyway.
I won’t stop giving because generousity is one of the reason why I think I am rich.
ADAIR ROWLAND says
The surprise on this list was “dependent.” It’s accurate but often pre-packaged with “humble.” Dependent is an example of humility in action. Too often, we have to lose our ability to be make it on our own to recognize the depth of love and support that’s out there, to see it’s never by ourselves alone.
Melkam says
The real rich is the one who has these characters!
Mark S says
Thank you to Joshua Becker for this brilliantly insightful article.